The New Jersey chapter of Americans for Prosperity sent out a press release Thursday questioning Governor Christie's obedience to the Koch Brothers and encouraged him to accept the "burden on the states to thwart" the ACA because after Republicans lost the election, "Congress will not be able to repeal the law." The press release cited "other conservative governors across the country like Bobby Jindal, Rick Perry, Scott Walker, and others have already taken a principled stand,"

FloydA:So, does anyone still think Christie is going to be the 2016 nominee? The owners of the GOP have spoken.

No. His golden boy status took a big hit during Sandy, and he is not Hispanic. He might run and be in the primary, but the powers that be will surely nominate someone that they think will pull the Hispanics because they honestly believe that will solve all of their problems.

So... the Kochs are mad that Christie isn't taking a "conservative" approach?

The ACA passed, and it won't be repealed. That's a fact.

States have two options under the ACA.1. Set up a health insurance exchange at the state level. This lets governors work with the insurance companies within their own borders, and if they think their state has a special need fo some kind, they can make sure it's accounted for. Since conservatives champion states' rights, this seems like the smartest thing a Republican governor can do.2. Allow the US government to set up a federal exchange within your state. It will no longer account for your state's perceived individual needs, and won't specifically work with the businesses operating within your borders. This is what the Kochs and their supporters shouldn't want.

So given those choices... #1 is the conservative approach. #2 is the liberal approach. The other governors (Jindal, Perry, etc.) are choosing invisible option #3 - pretend the ACA never passed. That's not liberal or conservative - it's regressive.

As with their other policies, the GOP sponsors are attempting to make time move in reverse. They're just dying to party like it's 1999.

I didn't vote for Christie the first time around but, without question, he's getting my vote next time.

He really does not give a fark about the Republican establishment or political circlejerking... he's just a Jersey boy and he cares about this state through and through. I'm tempted to say (although it's a difficult translation) that he would make an excellent president. He's gotta lose weight though because being president is as physically demanding as it is demanding in every other respect.

FloydA:So, does anyone still think Christie is going to be the 2016 nominee? The owners of the GOP have spoken.

I hope he is. I voted for Obama twice and would seriously consider voting for Christie. The GOP needs some new blood and some new ideas. They lost this election because they lost people like me. The solution to that isn't to go ludicrous speed to the Derp System, it's people like Chris Christie.

Damn I love love to see Christie call a press conference, reveal this publicly and remind these douchebags that just becasue they're rich, they don't make public policy. Hell, I might even vote for him.

dletter:FloydA: So, does anyone still think Christie is going to be the 2016 nominee? The owners of the GOP have spoken.

Nominee of the Republicans or the Democrats?

IlGreven:FloydA: So, does anyone still think Christie is going to be the 2016 nominee? The owners of the GOP have spoken.

I think he'll be the nominee for some party...just not the Republican party.

Whatever you two are smoking, may I have some?

I really don't like the man. I like when he stands up against stupid BS, be it a Muslim nominee for judge or stupid f--king idiots calling him out for working with the President to help his constituency recover after a disaster. But while I probably would vote for him in the Republican primary (unless Huntsman runs again, and I can't think of another Republican other than the two of them I'd vote for) I sure as hell wouldn't vote for him in the general election.

And there is not a snowball's chance in hell he'd get the Democratic nomination. Seriously. Stop it. Both these posts can't be in jest, right?

FloydA:So, does anyone still think Christie is going to be the 2016 nominee? The owners of the GOP have spoken.

Didn't things look the same way in 2000 and 2008 for McCain and Romney respectively?

If the party heads decide it's someone's "turn" I think Gingrich is in the line, (though Huckabee would have a better chance). If they keep playing the "Lone Maverick, rugged individual who is clearly too independent to be bought, sold, and owned by the ACTUAL rulers" tripe then Chris Christie is their best bet, they just have to break him so they can be certain he'll obey.

But just as important is the question, will Christie even care? Politicians chase power because they want it, but some reach a certain level, like governor, and decide they're comfortable there. Some turn away from the pursuit of the big chair.